Plasma Physics

The Plasma Physics program at Princeton University offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the fundamental principles and applications of plasma science. Through a combination of coursework, research, and practical laboratory experience, students explore the behavior of ionized gases and their integration into various scientific and technological domains. The program emphasizes a deep understanding of plasma phenomena, including magnetic confinement, turbulence, instabilities, and wave interactions, which are crucial for advancements in fields such as nuclear fusion, space physics, and astrophysics. Students have the opportunity to work with leading researchers using state-of-the-art facilities and computational tools, fostering an environment of innovation and discovery. The curriculum covers essential topics such as plasma kinetic theory, electromagnetism, fluid dynamics, statistical mechanics, and experimental techniques, providing a solid foundation for both academic research and applied engineering roles. Graduate students may pursue thesis research that addresses current challenges in plasma confinement, diagnostics, or plasma-material interactions, contributing original insights to the field. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting plasma physics with materials science, computational modeling, and engineering. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in academia, government research laboratories, or industry, supporting ongoing advancements in fusion energy, space exploration, and plasma technology. The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) plays a central role in providing students with access to world-class resources and research opportunities, ensuring they are at the forefront of plasma science innovation. Whether aspiring to contribute to the development of sustainable fusion energy or to understand space plasma phenomena, students in this program acquire the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to excel in this exciting and rapidly evolving scientific field.

Courses:

Students in the Program in Plasma Physics are not required to satisfy course requirements. Students are expected to take whatever courses they feel are necessary to prepare for the general examination or in accordance with research interests. In preparation for the physics department preliminary examination, some students take graduate-level courses offered by the Physics Department in the fall. Additionally, courses are usually taken with the Pass/D/Fail option, and there is no grade point average requirement for students in the program.

Pre-Generals Requirements(s):

The Department of Physics Preliminary Examination

All students must pass the preliminary examination given by the physics department. This exam is given over two days and contains material on mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Students typically take the exam in January of the first year, but a May examination is also offered. The Program in Plasma Physics organizes review sessions given by the second-year students in the fall to prepare the first-year students for the exam.

General Exam:

Generals are taken in May of the second year and consist of:

• Two 4-hour written sessions
• One 30-60 minute oral session

The professors on the examining committee for the oral session determine whether a student passes. Students prepare for the general examination by forming review groups and by taking graduate courses in plasma physics in their first two years.

Qualifying for the M.A.:

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after successfully passing (a) the written general examination, and (b) the physics preliminary examination. It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that these requirements have been met. 

Post-Generals Requirement(s):

Thesis Proposal

The thesis proposal takes place in the six months following the successful completion of the general examination. A completed thesis proposal consists of a written proposal, and a proposal presentation.

The thesis committee notifies the student of the results of the thesis proposal immediately following the proposal presentation.

Dissertation and FPO:

The Ph.D. is awarded after the candidate’s doctoral dissertation has been accepted and the final public oral examination sustained.

• Application Fee: $90
• Statement of Academic Purpose
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation Letters
• Transcripts
• Fall Semester Grades
• Prerequisite Tests
• English Language Tests
• GRE : General and physics subject tests.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

For Ph.D. candidates, tuition and fees during a student’s regular period of enrollment are provided in full from a student’s graduate student financial support, in the form of tuition support from fellowships, assistantships, or external sources.

The annual stipend amount provided to Ph.D. candidates during their regular enrollment is intended to support a single graduate student based on estimated costs. Master’s students or students with spouses and/or dependents may require additional resources to support their living expenses 

The Princeton University offers a specialized program in Plasma Physics through its Department of Astrophysical Sciences. This program is designed for students interested in the theoretical and experimental study of plasma phenomena, which include the behavior of ionized gases and their applications in astrophysics, laboratory research, and nuclear fusion. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework in physics, applied mathematics, and computational techniques, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of plasma dynamics, stability, confinement, and turbulence. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and experimental devices, such as tokamaks and stellarators, supporting hands-on research experiences. The faculty comprises leading scientists in plasma physics, many of whom are involved in international research collaborations on fusion energy development and astrophysical plasma phenomena. The program offers doctoral degrees (Ph.D.) and emphasizes research independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Graduate students often participate in projects related to magnetic confinement fusion, space plasma physics, and laboratory plasma experiments. The department encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, often linking plasma physics with astrophysics, nuclear engineering, and computational sciences. Funding opportunities include research assistantships, fellowships, and grants from national agencies such as the Department of Energy. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in academia, government laboratories, and the private sector, particularly in fields related to energy research and space exploration. The program also benefits from the university’s extensive physics and engineering resources, fostering an environment of innovation and scientific discovery.